DUSHANBE, February 6, 2009, Asia-Plus — President Emomali Rahmon today morning received the US Ambassador to Tajikistan, Ms. Tracey Ann Jacobson.
According to presidential press service, the two discussed state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the United States in different fields. They also considered issues related to the present situation in Afghanistan and the US plans to increase military contingent in that country Afghanistan.
Taking into consideration needs of international peacekeeping contingent in delivery of non-military goods to Afghanistan through the Central Asian region, they noted the necessity of construction of another bridge across the Panj River joining Tajikistan and Afghanistan in Khatlon’s Farkhor district, the press service said, citing Ms. Jacobson as saying that her country is currently studying the draft feasibility study for construction of this bridge.
She also noted that efficient use of the Tajik-Afghan bridge at Nizhny Panj could be one of main ways to facilitate transit of non-military goods to Afghanistan.
For his part, President Rahmon stressed that Tajikistan was ready to provide assistance to the United States and the NATO states with transportation of humanitarian and commercial goods to Afghanistan through its territory.
During the meeting, it was noted that today it was necessary to provide transportation of buildings materials, fuels, food products, medicines and not only for military personnel but also for reconstruction of Afghanistan’s economy.
On the military-technical cooperation between Tajikistan and the United States, the two noted that more than 80 joint events were conducted in this direction per year, including joint drills and training of personnel.
Ms. Jacobson noted that her country was making significant contribution to construction of the Nizhny Panj customs terminal, construction of training ground at the city of Tursunzoda and rehabilitation of frontier outposts in Tajikistan.
